Injured Broich to undergo ankle surgery

Brisbane Roar marquee player Thomas Broich is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle tomorrow and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

The German midfielder was injured in the Roar’s 1-1 draw with Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Broich did not travel with the Brisbane Roar squad today to Sydney for tomorrow night’s Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Grand Final rematch against Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium.

Brisbane Roar interim coach Frans Thijssen said the decision for Broich to undergo surgery was made after he consulted a specialist following training this morning.

“With the heavy load of matches we have coming up, it was decided not to risk aggravating the injury any further by Thomas continuing to play,’’ Thijssen said.

With a break in the Hyundai A-League from January 9-31 for the AFC Asian Cup, Brisbane Roar medical and coaching staff considered immediate surgery was the best option for the 33-year-old who is a two-time winner of the Johnny Warren Medal as the competition’s best player.

Thijssen is yet to announce a replacement for Broich for tomorrow night’s match.

“To lose a player of Thomas’ calibre is not ideal but it presents an opportunity for another player to step up and cement a place in our starting line-up,’’ Thijssen said.

Thijssen said he was hopeful Broich would be fit to return for the Roar’s first game after the AFC Asian Cup break – a Suncorp Stadium home match against Wellington Phoenix on Monday, 2 February.